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To Release or Not to Release The Kraken

#462022079 / gettyimages.com

 

This Panther season looks like it may be remembered most for the Kraken being on the Commissioner's exempt list.  And that loss has had a direct impact on the #2 ranked Defense from 2013 falling to 29th.  I won't say that his being out is the sole reason we are struggling.  But I will say he is is the biggest reason we are not still in first place in the NFC South.  His 15 sacks from a year ago, along with his fiery persona and constant pressure is sorely lacking.  Below is a brief discussion on both for and against bringing him back to the Panthers both immediately and long term.  Then I want to hear your thoughts.

C3 Podcast: Is This Rock Bottom?

Live 10 pm!

C3 Crew rallies after a difficult home loss to division rivals, the New Orleans Saints, that continues a seven week winless streak.  The Crew has a lot to say about the state of the Carolina Panthers and the outlook for the 2014 season.  We'll also look to the Philadelphia Eagles to see if the Panthers can slow the bleeding.  Tweet the show using hashtag #C3  

Meet The 2015 Carolina Panther Draft Picks According To Mel Mayock

I, Mel Mayock, am the lead Panthers Analyst for Draftek.com and their latest 2015 Mock Draft is out.  You can see it all here:  http://www.drafttek.com/2015-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round1.asp.  But I'm taking this opportunity to show you a little more on the two guys I've selected to be a part of the 2015 Panthers. This Draft has us projected to Pick 10th overall in the 1st Round and 42nd in the 2nd Round.  As I research those available, I focus on talent over need.  Those that only focus on need will rarely find elite talent.  However, need does come into play when two prospects are relatively close in talent.  For example, if there is an elite talent at a position of need and an elite talent at one that is not, the position of need will get the nod.

Saints Neuter Panthers on Thursday Night, 28-10

#460862203 / gettyimages.com

Okay Panthers fans....it's Halloween Day and officially time to panic.

The Panthers laid an egg at home last night, losing to the road warrior I mean road kitten Saints, 28-10 on Thursday Night Football.

Offense was at a premium for both teams in the first half as the Saints took a 14-0 lead into halftime. One of the two TDs came on a long, hard-fought, 4-yard drive of two plays thanks to a Newton fumble at his own goal line after a sack by Junior Gilette.

The other was set up by a highly dubious pass interference call on Antoine Cason. 

A third TD, the Saints' first of the second half, came on a 4th and goal QB sneak where Drew Brees tried the "jump-stretch" play that Cam has the size to do but Brees made it close. He still scored, having the ball break the plane of the goal line before he got body slammed back.

It was that kind of game. 

The Panthers got two turnovers 

Mark Ingram had 100 yards on 30 carries, so the defense made him earn it. Considering the manner in which the Saints scored their points, the Carolina defense actually played well overall. The problem is the offense couldn't do much to keep Brees & company off the field.

I do want to set ONE thing straight here and now: the problem is NOT Cam Newton. Cam is trying to do everything because he isn't getting much help aside from Kelvin Benjamin. And Kelvin dropped a TD pass last night.

NFL AM is showing a teaser right this moment "What's WRONG with Cam Newton?" 

You wanna know what's "wrong with Cam?" FINE!

- His offensive line had not one but TWO rookie UFAs starting! STARTING! Not only that, the certainly seemed to make the weak side of the offensive line truly weak. I don't blame the kids in there playing and trying...but you can't expect a couple of inexperienced and undrafted rookies to play like the line they have in Dallas these days. The Cowboys spent multiple high picks on theirs and over multiple seasons to get where they got their O-line to now. Dave Gettleman appears bound by some unholy contract NOT to get offensive linemen in the top two rounds.

Cam's targets are still dropping passes. Cam might get excited and put too much mustard on some passes, sure, but it isn't like his receivers don't see him EVERY DAY or know what he can do. In fact, Cam's first half interception was due to a pass bouncing off Breston Bersin's hands. Cam had the worst QBR (12.1) he's ever had in a half, and it was plays like that which contributed to it.

Certainly, Cam hasn't been perfect. His timing was off last night and he wasn't completely accurate on a lot of throws but a good WR should be able to adjust to a catchable but less-than-perfect ball placement to haul it in. 

Also, Cam pretty correctly feels that he needs to do all he can to help the team win. The running game went largely nowhere as DeAngelo Williams could only put up 20 yards on eight carries. Stewie had 46 on 8 carries for a nice average, but he got stuffed for little to no gain on half his attempts. Cam got the team on the board with a 10 yard diving-to-the-pylon scramble and run on 3rd and goal as the pass rush got after him almost as soon as he received the shotgun snap.

And Cam is the PROBLEM? Folks, open your eyes willya? He's the only one making things HAPPEN on offense! He got decent protection on perhaps a handful of drop-backs; the rest of the time he was running for his life. Last night, his passes were generally on target or "close enough" that the target should have made the catch but didn't.

If you look at any given game where the offensive line isn't protecting the QB well, you're going to see a sub-par game from the QB. Look at the Super Bowl last year. 

With the gifts the Saints' Drew Brees-led offense got last night, I'm surprised they only got 28 points. Both TDs in the first half were gifts, wrapped up in nice paper with a bow and they had to reach into their 4th down "trick or treat" bag for a third TD. Under those circumstances, the defense did as much as could be reasonably asked, I think.

I have been telling the fans (those that will listen) what's wrong with the team all year and the same things continue to be problem areas. Those are the offensive line and the defensive backfield. 

Until those needs are addressed, don't expect the Panthers to play too much better than they did last night.

Follow me on Twitter @Ken_Dye

C3 On the Line: Saints at Panthers

C3 On the Line series bets the Carolina Panthers line and discusses the stakes of the game in the context of the Panthers season. CarolinaCatChronicles.com On the Line is not betting advice, but a means for football discussion.

New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers

Saints -3 (49.5 O/U)

Here we are again, the Saints are marching to town and the division could be On the Line as it was last season when they visited Charlotte.   The stakes are strikingly similar to last season’s Saints at Panthers matchup, but the circumstances are the polar opposite.  Here’s what C3’s On the Line piece for this game last season noted:

Two 10-4 juggernauts meet Sunday at Bank of America Stadium to decide the NFC South division champion.  The Carolina Panthers host the New Orlean Saints in what looks to be a match between two titans.  The high powered Saints’ offense will try to take their game outdoors and topple Carolina’s league leading defense.  There is clearly a lot On the Line for both teams....This is like having an NFC South Championship game.  

Well 2014 has hardly produced the two titans bound for the playoffs as in 2013.  The Saints offense has sputtered at times, and the Panthers’ defense is among the league worst.  Like last year, the spread is 3 points (last year Carolina was favored) and likely this game will go a long way in determining the division champion.  This season, however, there will only be one playoff team representing the NFC South, and it may just be the winner of this game.  Again, there is a lot On the Line.

All Bets Are In:

Professor’s Bet: Panthers -3   (Taking the Under 49.5)

My head tells me to pick the Saints, but my heart is in Carolina.  The defense showed signs of life last week, Star and Ealy played particularly well, and continue to see signs of offensive life.  Yes, the Panthers didn’t get into the endzone, but they did move the ball.  Hopefully, Shula, who has taken considerable heat, will rev up the offense a bit this week and get some results that ward off his termination.

The pieces have to come together at some point.  This week is going to have to be that week.  The Panthers back is to the wall after 1-4-1 in the last six weeks.  Another loss here would be devastating.  This to me is a division title match right here.  The team that walks out of BOA has to be the favorite to win the division.  Yes, New Orleans schedule gets tough and the Panthers gets easy.   I just don’t see Carolina winning in Philadelphia after a demoralizing loss at home.  There’s no choice, the Panthers have to get this win.  If they do, there’s a real chance they can parlay the victory into some real momentum.  Carolina 24-20

Commish’s Bet: Panthers +3 (Under the 49.5)

Tonight, all eyes in the NFL will be on Charlotte in a case of a “hot potato” ball game. Neither team has much that points to any sort of advantage over the other. Carolina’s offensive line (and team in general) has been completely decimated by injuries and the unit has been maligned lately even when healthy. Center Ryan Kalil can’t block TWO guys at once! We know the Panthers generally don’t play well at night, and the Saints don’t fare well on the road. Yeah - SOMETHING has to give, doesn’t it? Reminds me of the ancient commercial with “Mikey” eating cereal even though he “hates everything.” A bad road team going to play a bad night team on the road at night, ouch! I’m half expecting the Three Stooges to come out in the opening series and take up spots on the offensive line. With the Saints defense having regressed to 2012 and our own defense having played quite well last week at home, I’m just going to throw my hands up and say that the trend continues. The question becomes if the offense can put things together enough to score a few times. I think that they will, and a healthy backfield duo of Stewie and DeAngelo should help keep Brees on the sideline just enough to win it. Carolina 24-21

Justin Raymond’s Bet: Panthers -3  (Taking the Over 49.5)

Like I wrote in my latest article, the Carolina Panthers are a bipolar team and we don’t know what to expect from week to week. The offense shows up one game and the next game the defense shows up. When will they both come together? This might be the game where the Panthers solve this issue. The Panthers are at home against a rival team and should bring their “A” game. Brees has plenty of weapons on offense and the Panthers defensive secondary will have to step up, and make some plays. The only way I see the Panthers winning this game is if the defense can get to Brees and pressure him all night. I believe  that the Panthers will make this a good game, but they won't come out on top. Saints 28-24

Carolina Panthers: Fantasy Football Projections Week 9

After eight weeks of playing Bipolar football the Carolina Panthers are still first in the NFC South. They remain in first ahead of the New Orleans Saints because of the tie against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Panthers are going to battle against the Saints this Thursday night and the winner of that game will be the leader in the NFC South for another week. Who on offense will show up for the Carolina Panthers in week nine?

NFC South Bound and Down Episode 8: In the Thick of It

South Bound and Down round-table huddles up to discuss Week 9 and the NFC South.  Join the crew as they talk about the wins, well ties, losses, injuries, and match-ups facing the NFC South.  We'll be doling out the typical banter topped off by our picks for the week.  Tweet the show at #SouthBound  

C3 Podcast: A Division to be Won or Lost?

Knee-Jerk Reaction to a Self-Inflicted Wound at BOA

Wow, we should have won this game.  We made so many crucial and self-inflicted errors.  I LOVE Cam Newton, but he owes his team one here.  His best play was him avoiding a safety.  And his absolute worst, which was the difference in the game, was his zone-read fumble in the Red Zone.  Points there, and we most likely win.  The D did well today, but collapsed at the end.

There were some good things however:  Norwell could Wally Pipp Amini at LG.  He has a nasty streak and he is impressive.  I also liked JSTEW, Thomas Davis, Kelvin Benjamin, and Josh Norman.  And I really liked Rookie Tre Boston getting some action at Safety.
The worst of the day were Byron Bell and Nate Chandler and the absence of Greg Olsen.  But when Cam falls short, so do we.

There were other crucial errors such as Bersin's fair-catching inside the 10 with non one near him, like committing pass-interference to extend drives, so on and so forth.  But the bottom line is this team does not look like a team that has the belief that they are going to win.  Last year we did, this year, not so much.  

Now Panther Nation, root for the Packers and know that Thursday night's game is now a must win.

~@PanthersDrafter

C3 On the Line: Carolina Panthers vs Seattle Seahawks

C3 On the Line series bets the Carolina Panthers line and discusses the stakes of the game in the context of the Panthers season. CarolinaCatChronicles.com's On the Line is not betting advice, but a means for football discussion.

Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers 

Seattle -5.5 (45O/U)

Get to Know Prospect Shawn Oakman

Conventional wisdom says the Panthers need to grab either a Left Tackle or a Corner Back in the next NFL Draft.  One thing to remember (and that I hold fast to) is you fill team-needs through Free Agency and you take the Best Player Available when your team is on the clock.

Carolina Panthers: Fantasy Football Projections Week 8

The Carolina Panthers are a hard team to predict this season. You are not sure which team is going to show up from week to week. They have scored 20 points or less four times, and 20 points or more three times. Should you risk starting any Panthers players on your fantasy football team?

C3 Scouting Report: Seattle Seahawks

Panther fans know their Panthers, but sometimes it’s knowing the skinny about our opponents.  The C3 Scouting Report gives you the lowdown on this week’s opponent, the Seattle Seahawks.

C3 Podcast: Oh Godfrey, is it over?

C3 Podcast: The crew breaks down the dumpster fire that was the Carolina Panthers game against the +Green Bay Packers.  Sports Quotient's Anthony Nipert joins the Crew as a special guest to break down Carolina's match-up against the +Seattle Seahawks.

C3 Up, Three Down

Three Things the Carolina Panthers Did Well

The reunion with Julius Peppers at Lambeau Field did not go well this past Sunday for the Carolina Panthers. Peppers finished the game with 1.5 sacks and a smile on his face. Aaron Rodgers told the Green Bay Packer fans to R-E-L-A-X and that is exactly what he did in the pocket against the Panthers. Even though the Panthers decided to take the day off against the Packers, they had to do something right. 

What three things did the Carolina Panthers do well week seven?

Knee-Jerk Reaction to the Melt Down in Wisconsin

Sometimes you feel like you are in a bad dream about being in a car wreck.  That is what today felt like.  What makes things worse for me is this should not have happened.  On that opening drive, we had them on a 3rd and 12.  Then there was an off-sides penalty that the replay clearly shows that they jumped and not us.  But we were penalized.  Should have been 3rd and 17.  Instead, 3rd and 7 and we then proceeded to shoot ourselves in the foot.  We jumped off sides legitimately and made it 3rd and 2.  Then Rodgers found Nelson for a 59 yard TD.  Roman Harper wiffed and Nelson went the distance. Had it been 3rd and and 17 instead of 3rd and 2, this COULD have been a different game.  Then in the 2nd half and we went for it on 4th and 1, I contend we clearly had that first down.  Who knows what could have happened there.  I'm not saying we would have won, but we should not have been blown out.  Cam was off early, and to only have 5 yards in the Q1 is inexcusable.  And was that Ref seriously putting his hands on Luke and then kicking him out for it? Was he paid in cheese or what?

Carolina's Secondary - The Legion of Bums

I'm writing this as the Carolina Panthers are down 21-0 at Green Bay, having saved it from becoming 28-0 on a pick-six by "virtue" of the intercepting DB being blatantly guilty of pass interference. 

Yes, our first first down of the game came because of a penalty and the defense still looks like it doesn't know which team is the "bad guys" - the guys in the OTHER uniforms or the guys in the SAME uniforms.

On the Line: Carolina at Green Bay

C3 On the Line series bets the Carolina Panthers line and discusses the stakes of the game in the context of the Panthers season. CarolinaCatChronicles.com On the Line is not betting advice, but a means for football discussion.

Carolina Panthers at Green Bay Packers

Green Bay -6.5 (49.5 O/U)

Carolina Panthers: Fantasy Football Projections Week 7

The Carolina Panthers have played three away games and they’re away record is still at .500, how is this possible? Well this is possible because they tied the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday. Mike Nugent decided to give us an early Christmas present and missed that last second field goal.

C3 Scouting Report: Green Bay Packers

Panther fans know their Panthers, but sometimes it’s knowing the skinny about our opponents.  The C3 Scouting Report gives you the lowdown on this week’s opponent, the Green Bay Packers .

A Quarterback's Worst Nightmare

There will be a reunion this Sunday when Julius Peppers and the Green Packers meet the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field. Julius Peppers or “The Freak of Nature” left the Carolina Panthers in the 2010 NFL season because he was being ignored about his contract.

Injuries Mount as Panthers Prowl Lambeau Field This Week

Come on, fans....admit it. This season has been an insane one for the Carolina Panthers thus far.

Nobody would have thought that it would be the offense carrying a team with a struggling defense?

South Bound and Down Episode 6: Who is worse? It's a TIE

South Bound and Down round-table huddles up to discuss Week 6 and the NFC South.  Join the crew as they talk about the wins, well ties,, losses, injuries, and match-ups facing the NFC South.  We'll be doling out the typical banter topped off by our picks for the week. 

C3 Up, Three Down (Week 6)

C3 Up

The Carolina Panthers are still on a winning streak after their tie with the Cincinnati Bengals. The NHL got rid of tying, so why does the NFL allow it? I don’t have an answer for that, but thank you Mike Nugent for missing that field goal! The Carolina Panthers offense continues to put points on the scoreboard but so do the opponents. Where did the defense go?

C3 Podcast: Packers Attackers

 LIVE 10 PM!

 

 

The Crew gets down and dirty, Vontaze Burfict style, and discusses the Panthers match-up versus the Green Bay Packers.  The Crew will also recap the tie in Cincinnati, discuss Greg Olsen's call for Burfict's suspension, Ron Rivera's gambling habits, and much more.  Be sure to tune in for the C3 ICE UP picks of the week as well.

The Carolina Panthers Kiss their Bengal Tigers Sisters at 37

#186517084 / gettyimages.com

It's games like yesterday's Panthers-Bengals game that make me happy I don't have any siblings, especially not a sister.

The thought of having one AND kissing her isn't something that (thankfully) enters my mind much - only on occasions like this.

My Knee-Jerk Reaction of Optimism

​My knee-jerk reaction to the tie in Cincinnati is one of hope and pride.  Here's why:  I picked us to actually lose this game today as I did not feel optimistic about playing a ticked-off and talented Bengal team.  Yes, they did not have AJ Green but they are still very talented and to me Giovanni Bernard is the most important player on that offense.  When he has a big game, they are real tough to beat.  He had a big game and set us back on our heels.  So I felt like I was playing with house-money in this one.  But when we went down the field in that opening drive and looked dominant doing so, my internal optimist came out.  But I still knew that we would have to play a pretty flawless game to win this one. Which we did not do.  

On the Line: Panthers at Bengals

C3 On the Line series bets the Carolina Panthers line and discusses the stakes of the game in the context of the Panthers season. CarolinaCatChronicles.com On the Line is not betting advice, but a means for football discussion.

C3 Scouting Report: Cincinnati Bengals

Panther fans know their Panthers, but sometimes it’s knowing the skinny about our opponents.  The C3 Scouting Report gives you the lowdown on this week’s opponent Cincinnati Bengals.

Carolina Panthers: Fantasy Football Projections Week 6

The Carolina Panthers surprised us fans week five with a comeback victory over the Chicago Bears. The Carolina Panthers offense scored at least 30 points for the first time this season. The question is did the Panthers finally figure out how to score? Will this trend continue? 

Can the Carolina Panthers Catch a Tiger by the Toe?

Who would have Sanu, you really can catch a tiger by the toe.

Sunday, the Carolina Panthers will attempt it when  they venture to Cincinnati to take on the 3-1 Bengals. Cincinnati, who are 7 point favorites and have won 11 straight home games, are looking to wipe the egg of their face from the Patriots prime-time beating this past Sunday.

This is going to be a tough match-up for the Panthers. Cincinnati is good. Prior to Sunday, the Bengals defense allowed only 11 points per game. Cam Newton will need to be quick and decisive against this stifling defense because the Bengals defensive front is guaranteed to get pressure. Geno Atkins will get push up the middle on the youngins and Nate Chandler, given his performance so far, will be easy work for Carlos Dunlop.

What if Andy Dalton was a Carolina Panther?

The 2011 NFL draft was loaded with talent at every position. There were a total of 12 quarterbacks drafted and five of those are currently starting for an NFL team. The list of starting quarterbacks includes: Cam Newton, Andy Dalton, Jake Locker, and Christian Ponder (Starting because Matt Cassel and Teddy Bridgewater are injured), and Colin Kaepernick. Some have had successful careers, some did not work, and there is still hope for others. But, the big three from that draft are: Cam Newton, Andy Dalton and Colin Kaepernick.

C3 Up, C3 Down: Bears vs Panthers

C3 Up: Three Things The Carolina Panthers Did Well

The Carolina Panthers are now on a one game winning streak after defeating the Chicago Bears this past Sunday! The Cardiac Cats had all of us shaking our heads in the first half, and on the edge of our seats in the second half. They were like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. According to Webster’s Dictionary, a winning streak is, “a streak of wins.” I might be getting too far ahead of myself, but the future is looking bright! 

After this statement win, what three things did the Carolina Panthers do well?

NFC Playoff Picture

It’s more than a quarter of the way through the 2014 NFL season, even NFL experts don’t know what’s going to happen.  That is why the play the games right?  Here’s a quick peek at the playoff picture from the Carolina Panther’s perspective. 

C3 Podcast: Bear Tastes Sweet and Bengal Smells Exotic

Thomas Davis Willed the Panthers' Win against the Bears

Thomas Davis willed the Panthers win Sunday.  He simply refused to be defeated.  

Beautiful or Ugly, Carolina's Victory Over Chicago is Sweet

Yesterday after the game was over and the Carolina Panthers defeated Ron Rivera's old stomping grounds, the Chicago Bears, I had posted to social media something along the lines of "That was about as ugly a win as I've seen, but they all count the same in the end."

Win Probability at the Half: Bears at Panthers

This is three consecutive weeks that the +Carolina Panthers go into the locker room trailing at the half.  It's been a sloppy game, where turnovers have turned into touchdowns and missed blocks run the Panthers Bell.  As dazed as Josh Norman, the Panthers finally caught a breath with defensive stand, ending in a missed field goal by Chicago. As the Panthers defense gasped for breath on the sideline, a determined Cam Newton marched Carolina down field for a touchdown pass to a limping Greg Olsen.

The Panthers were on the ropes for most of first half, but landed a solid counter-punch to end the round.  The Panthers, cornerman Ron Rivera, will need to inspire some steely composure, toughness, and some fight before they tap gloves to start the second half.

According to Profootballreference.com

:

Carolina Plays Pivotal Game Against Chicago Today

#462689567 / gettyimages.com

Too many times, announcers especially like to prop up the game they're calling by saying it's a "must-win game." The problem is, there ARE no "must-win games" in week TWO.

Countdown to Justin Hardy: Another Day at the Office

He makes it look easy, effortless even.

Justin Hardy hasn't really dominated any one game this season--until today. He's been important, but he hasn't been the only weapon on the ECU Pirates' high-powered offense. Hardy took over today, however, reminding that he's the Pirates' main weapon. Reigning in 8 catches for 120 and 3 TDs, he also continued his march toward breaking the FBS all-time reception record held by Oklahoma’s Ryan Broyles (346).  He's just 46 receptions away.

On the Line: Bears vs Panthers (-2.5)

C3 On the Line series bets the Carolina Panthers line and discusses the literal stakes on the line. CarolinaCatChronicles.com On the Line is not betting advice, but a means for football discussion.

Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers

Panthers -2.5 (45.5 O/U)

Carolina Panthers: Fantasy Football Projections Week 5

The Carolina Panthers had another bad week on offense. The Panthers offense only produced 10 points and only had 315 total yards of offense. The Baltimore Ravens completely shut down the Panthers and made them look like the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.

How are the Carolina Panthers players going to perform in week 5?

The Runts of the Cat Litter

The Carolina Panthers have more problems than Jay-Z and his 99 problems. The current state of mind for this team and the fans is the Panthers are not built for an empire. Ok, I am done with the Jay-Z references. The Panthers’ roster is full of players who are both suspended and injured. The 12-4 record from last season is an afterthought, because of all the bad things that keep on happening. The Panthers play the Chicago Bears this week and will have to go to battle with rookies and backups.

C3 Scouting Report: Da Bears

Panther fans know their Panthers, but it helps to know the skinny on their opponents as well.  The C3 Scouting Report gives the lowdown on this week’s opponent Chicago Bears

Carolina Panthers Week 4: Three Up, Three Down

Three things the Carolina Panthers did well.

 

After reading the heading of this section, I am sure that you are confused and full of laughter. The Carolina Panthers played one of the worst games I have ever seen against the Baltimore Ravens this past Sunday. The Panthers lost 38-10 and Steve Smith Sr. got his revenge. Steve Smith Sr. was let go from the Panthers because of his age, but he played like he was fresh out of college. Smith finished the day with 7 receptions for 139 yards and two touchdowns. The Carolina Panthers scored 10 points so they had to do something good to get into the end zone right?

The Carolina Panthers Secret Identity

The Carolina Panthers have a secret identity right now and we have no idea what it is. We all know that Cam Newton is Superman and Greg Hardy is (was) “The Kraken.” But, who are the Carolina Panthers? The Panthers have a record of 2-2 after week four of the 2014 NFL season. They are currently in first place in the NFC South and have the fewest points scored against them in the division. The NFC South currently looks like one of the weakest divisions in the NFL, but you have to stay positive right? After seeing the Panthers play four games we still don’t know the identity of this team. Are they playoff worthy? Or will they have a top 10 pick in the next NFL Draft?

What's Wrong with the Carolina Panthers?

#453762706 / gettyimages.com

 
We've seen the Carolina Panthers get off to a good 0-2 start, but ole Riverboat Ron had patented slow starts long ago, and let's face it. This time last year, we were 1-3, so things aren't quite so bad as they may seem in some ways.
 

Someone Will be 3-2 (Bears vs Panthers Preview)

Live 10 pm Tuesdays! 

Panther Nation Holds Monday Night Mental Health Meeting

Boy did I need something to pick me up after two demoralizing Panther losses.  We all know the deal, Carolina gave up 70 points in two weeks falling to 2-2.  So, #C3 scheduled an emergency mental health meeting Monday night. The meeting helped, if you didn't make it.  Here the bullet points:

Steve Smith's Baltimore Massacre Exposes Terminal Illness

"Blood and guts," Steve Smith calmly promised on WFNZ's "Bustin' Loose," payback for the painful cut administered by GM Dave Gettleman.  Adorned in goggles, Panther fans witnessed, as promised, a bloody massacre led by a motivated and rapacious Steve Smith. Not only did he deliver on his promise, but the +Baltimore Ravens full-out butchered the +Carolina Panthers (38-10). Yesterday's carnage, however, wasn't because of Smith's desire for revenge. Sure he proved inspirational, but the Ravens onslaught was all-consuming and indicative of Carolina's maladies as a team. Gashing Carolina's defenses and punishing their offensive line, the Panthers didn't look good in any phase of the game.  Most worrisome, Carolina's defense has been its prevailing weakness.  A confused secondary, a defensive line that doesn't generate any pressure, and an inability to stop the run has produced an easy victim for the slaughter.

Blood and Guts Massacre: Postgame Podcast Panthers at Ravens

It was ugly, but the Crew works through it. View to see our take on the +Carolina Panthers blood and guts massacre by the +Baltimore Ravens 

Win Probability at Half: Panthers at Ravens

It's not been fun to be a Panthers fan.  Steve Senior Citizen Smith has torched the Panthers for 122 yds and 2 TDs.  Carolina's defense has been less that intimidating, and the offense hasn't put up enough points to keep up.  Carolina's woes will probably continue if this Panthers front four doesn't start to produce. Although Steve Smith steals the headline, Baltimore has really just dominated all facets of the game.  Justin Forset has 61 yards and a TD.  Carolina's offensive line looks like it would struggle against the Maryland Terrapins, let alone a pro team.  What kind of adjustments do you make at this point?  Well, Riverboat Ron better become PsychoPath Ron and tell this team to stop doing what they've been doing and make some plays.



9/28/2014 Carolina Panthers vs. Baltimore Ravens box score at Pro-Football-Reference.com